If you are an expat looking at working in India for few years, this book is for you. If you are an Indian and will be getting into a work environment soon, which comes with its own set of culture, this book is for you too. The book ‘How India Works’ by Aarti Kelshikar not just covers nuances one would want to know if working in India or with Indians but also ‘why’ our Indian corporate work culture is this way.
What does the book cover?
The corporate work environment in India stands out due to its diverse cultures and languages. When contrasted with work environments in other countries, it exhibits unique variations.
In the book, the author has shared her personal experiences along-side anecdotes and experiences of expatriates and repatriates. The author has interviewed many leaders personally who have shared their personal stories about hierarchy, time management, work relationship, work-life balance.
Interesting aspects from the book (chosen randomly)
- The Art of Managing the heart – Whether in personal or business contexts, establishing relationships with people goes a long way in India. Both the boss and the manager need to make sincere efforts to connect. Building rapport through small gestures, such as a brief chat over a call or sharing a cup of tea, proves effective. Striking a balance between hierarchy and relationship is essential.
- Two Minutes – In India, appointments and timings are frequently seen as approximate, resembling more of a time frame than a precise moment on the clock (professional meetings and appointments are usually on time). People who actually follow the timeframe may consider others to be rude if they don’t follow the same. Considering the variance in expectations and mindset, it’s important to acknowledge that individuals in India may not intend to be disrespectful of others’ time; rather, they view it through their own perspective.
- Yes Boss – India exhibits a prevalent mindset rooted in hierarchy. This hierarchical structure extends beyond distinctions in job titles; it permeates across various domains, including caste, age, and gender. As a leader, one holds a significant position to shape the organisational culture and working methods. While a hierarchical approach is inherent, with time, persistence, and perseverance, one can guide individuals to ultimately embrace ownership at a higher level than they are accustomed to.
What’s in it for me?
While reading, I could easily relate to some of the personal experiences shared. It’s disheartening to acknowledge shortcomings like poor time management or a lack of quality consciousness, but the positive takeaway is witnessing the improvement among Indians in these aspects. I found the book enjoyable and would recommend it to many of you.
My recommendation
The book presents a balanced view of the advantages and challenges associated with working with Indians and working in India. It serves as a valuable resource for both learning and unlearning, guiding readers on what behaviours to adopt and which ones to avoid. Offering a clear perspective on working in the country, the book underscores the significance of relationships, emphasising that, ultimately, work gets done regardless of obstacles. So go on and read it! You will enjoy the anecdotes and many of it will be relatable as well…
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Sarika has previously had stints with with Weber Shandwick as Vice President - Client Experience, Adfactors PR, Text100 (now Archetype) and Perfect Relations. With keen observation and analytical skills, Sarika has successfully led PR campaigns for key brands across multiple sectors by leveraging her strength and expertise in the communications arena.
She is a post graduate in communications from Xavier Institute of Communications. She is based in Mumbai and in her free time loves to spend time with her daughters, play with her dogs, read and travel.
Be the first to comment on "How India Works Making Sense of a Complex Corporate Culture"